Here you can check whether you’re the type of firm that needs to be authorized by us and, if you are, what to do next. You’ll probably need to be authorised by us if you’re a financial services firm carrying on regulated activities, or if you’re a firm offering loans, car financing deals or other consumer credit.

Financial services firms

Banks, credit unions and insurance firms are regulated by both us and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA). The PRA is your single point of contact for the application process.

Consumer credit firms

If you’re a consumer credit firm carrying on regulated financial activities such as credit brooking and consumer lending, you’ll have to apply to us for either limited or full permission.

Investment firms

If you’re an investment firm carrying on certain activities in relation to financial instruments such as shares and bonds, the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive requires you to be authorised by us.

Benchmark administrators

Under the EU Benchmarks Regulation, benchmark administrators can be authorised or registered.

Payment services and e-money firms

If you offer people payment accounts, pre-paid cards or other such financial services, you may need to be authorised or registered with us – or both authorised and registered.